By Robert Nyasato
Trade Assistant Minister Omingo Magara is expected to take the witness box at Kisii High Court this week in a petition challenging his election as South Mugirango MP in 2007.
Trial Judge Daniel Musinga ordered hearing of the petition continues from today and run consecutively for five days after a week’s break.
So far, the petitioner, Mr Manson Oyongo Nyamweya, and the Returning Officer for the disputed polls have adduced their evidence.
Mr Magara and the defunct Electoral Commission of Kenya now replaced by Interim Independent Electoral Commission (IIEC) are expected to enter their defence this week.
Justice Musinga said the petition is being heard on priority basis given the seriousness and nature of the matter, which forced the court to put aside hearing of all other pending cases until it is concluded.
In line with this, the judge has cautioned counsel for parties in the petition, including Katwa Kigen for Magara, Ombati Omwanza for Nyamweya and Ibrahim Onyinkwa for IIEC against wasting court time.
Nyamweya wants the court to declare election of Magara as MP null and void, citing alleged flawed process. He also wants the court to declare him winner.
